Yes, it might be covered in scaffolding with a better view of a builder’s backside than the castle, but the traders operating out of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket are anxious to assure their customers that it’s business as usual throughout April and May.

The consortium of shops and traders in the historic area are offering to pay the parking fees for any customers spending over £10 per head in a pub or restaurant, or £40 in some of the Grassmarket’s best-loved independent shops.

Customers can redeem two hours of parking in Castle Terrace Car Park or Pay & Display parking in the Grassmarket itself at any of the named venues in the offer.

Any wily non-drivers thinking of cashing in should be advised that they will have to present car keys and parking receipt before ordering in order to qualify.

'We’re really excited about the forthcoming new and improved Grassmarket, which is due to be finished later this year,’ said Paul Duncan of participating restaurant Mamma’s American Pizza, ‘but in the meantime, we want to use this offer to show our customers that we are open and accessible as usual.'

Participating restaurants include Petit Paris, Café Jacques and The Beehive, while retailers taking part in the scheme include Helios Fountain, Fabhatrix and the ‘liquid deli’ Demijohn.

For a full list and more information, see www.grassmarket.net.